Building on Puerto Vallarta’s growing reputation as a foodie
destination, three of the region’s top restaurants joined forces in
December to form the Puerto Vallarta Culinary Collection.
Frustrated by the lack of marketing efforts by the existing
hotel and restaurant association locally, the collection’s
restaurateurs hope to increase their visibility and ensure
consistent fine-dining experiences while drawing in more gourmet
travelers.
Future efforts may include offering dine-around programs, in
which guests can enjoy a progressive multi-course meal at several
restaurants one course per venue which could be offered as part of
a hotel package. The collection also plans to launch a joint Web
site. And, because seats in each of the restaurants are in such
demand, the collection may eventually offer preferred advance
reservations for select VIP guests.
The collection includes an eclectic mix of three restaurants,
and more are expected to join down the road. Those included are all
considered gourmet hot spots:
El Arrayan, which opened in November, is one of Puerto
Vallarta’s newest restaurants. Owner Carmen Porras aims to preserve
the traditional regional recipes from her family and others by
using authentic tools and ingredients. The kitchen design and menu
give a nod to Mexico City chef Carmen Titita, who was noted by
famed food writer and gourmand James Beard. (52-322-222-7195)
Daiquiri Dick’s, owned by Peter and Tari Bowman, has been a
Puerto Vallarta mainstay for 22 years. Chef Rafael Nazario, who
worked previously at California restaurants 72 Market St. and
Hugo’s, is known for fusing European, Mexican and Pacific Rim
dishes with classic American cuisine. (52-322-222-0566)
At Los Xitomates , chef and owner Luis Fitch brings ancient
Mexican recipes to the level of “alta cocina Mexicana,” or haute
cuisine, Mexican style. The restaurant is also known for its
extensive wine list, and recently earned a Five Star Diamond Award
from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.
(52-322-222-1694)
